“A Preventative Approach to Chronic Wounds” – PACW-UCP level (formerly Wound-Smarts)

A comprehensive 12 hr course on Wound Prevention for Personal Support Workers/ Health Care Aides

(live, virtual training)

By the end of the course, PSWs will be able to:

  1. Identify internal vs. external and modifiable vs. non-modifiable risk factors as they relate to development of following wounds:
    1. Pressure related breakdown
    2. Incontinence related breakdown
    3. Skin tears
    4. Diabetic foot ulcers
    5. Venous leg ulcers
    6. Arterial leg ulcers
    7. plus, development of cellulitis in the lower legs.
  2. Assist patients in modifying certain risk factors in order to improve their well-being and prevent occurrence of wounds
  3. Attain practical bedside assessments and skills in order to prevent wounds as well as pick up on early signs of wound development
  4. Report findings and risk assessments to appropriate resources in the community and LTC setting
  5. Become competent in sharing knowledge with their colleagues and educating their patients regarding risk factors related to wound development.
  6. Understand and utilize the role of a multi-disciplinary team, how to access it in a community setting and how working in collaboration positively contributes to wound prevention

Course Outline – Week 1 and 2

  • Introduction
  • Scope of the PSW profession
  • Course expectations
  • Internal and external factors affecting skin integrity
  • Basic review of anatomy and high-risk areas for wound development
  • Wounds (part 1): Types, causes and prevention of:
    • Pressure and friction related breakdown
    • Incontinence related breakdown
    • Skin tears/traumatic wounds
    •  

Course Outline – Week 3 and 4

  • Wounds (part 2)
    • Diabetic foot ulcers
    • Venous & Arterial Leg ulcers
    • Cellulitis
  • Role of the multi-disciplinary team in a community setting
  • Case-study reviews
  • Individual student assignment
  • Q&A
  • Course evaluation and wrap up

Register for an upcoming course below

“Journey of the Diabetic Foot”

3 hour workshop on Diabetic Foot Ulcer trajectory: assessment, prevention, and bedside skills for ongoing care

“Healing the Tears”

 

2.5 hour workshop on Skin-tear prevention and management, practical bedside skills

“Under the Pressure”

3 hour workshop. Prevention and management of pressure and incontinence related breakdown + review of equipment and surfaces

“Wrap them up!”

3 hour workshop. Prevention and management of Venous Leg Ulcers, lower leg skin care & use of compression therapy

“The Art of Arterial”

3 hour workshop on arterial leg ulcers, care of legs at risk for ischemia, distinguishing between venous and arterial cause and more

Course will be held over Zoom Meetings app